Local Government and Communities Committee

Meeting date: Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Official Report 568KB pdf

Decision on Taking Business in Private

Good morning. I welcome everyone to the 26th meeting in 2020 of the Local Government and Communities Committee. Some of us are attending in person in committee room 1, and others are attending remotely, by videoconference.

I remind everyone that social distancing measures are in place in the committee room and across the Parliament. Please take care to observe them at all times this morning, including during breaks and when the meeting ends, and please put your mask on if you leave your seat for any time.

I remind members who are present in the room not to touch microphones or consoles during the meeting, as they will be operated remotely by broadcasting staff. Please ensure that all mobile phones are in silent mode. To those who are attending remotely, I say that broadcasting staff will operate your cameras and microphones, as usual. Please allow a short pause after being called to speak to allow them to do so.

Today’s main business will be consideration of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill at stage 2. However, under agenda item 1 we will first consider whether to take agenda items 4 and 5 in private. Item 4 is consideration of witnesses for stage 1 of the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, and item 5 is consideration of a draft letter to the Scottish Government on pre-budget scrutiny 2021-22.

As some members are attending the meeting remotely, rather than ask whether everyone agrees, I will instead ask whether any member objects. If there is silence, I will assume that members are content. Does any member object to taking those items in private?

As no member has indicated that they object, it is agreed that items 4 and 5 will be taken in private.